Local CHP officers get new vehicles

Public Information Officer Brodie Mitchell stands between two of the latest additions to the county’s California Highway Patrol fleet. The vehicles are Ford Explorer Interceptor patrol SUVs, which are replacing the discontinued Crown Victorias. Mitchell said the all-wheel-drive vehicles grip the road like glue. Photos by Laura Beaton

Laura Beaton

Staff Writer

2/28/2014

A new type of California Highway Patrol vehicle began arriving at the local Quincy office Feb. 12.

Public Information Officer Brodie Mitchell said the four Ford Explorer Interceptor utility SUVs arrived just in time for Quincy CHP officers to take a mandatory four-hour training course to learn to properly operate the vehicle.

Two CHP training officers from the Northern Division Headquarters in Redding conducted the new patrol vehicle training course, which included classroom instruction and hands-on driving.

The large asphalt parking area in front of the Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds was the test-driving site.

CHP patrol vehicle selection process and background

The Department of General Services was responsible for selecting a vehicle based on price, performance and payload capacity.

“Officers drove a myriad of different scenarios laid out in cones to become familiar with the all-wheel-drive Interceptor’s traction control system,” Mitchell said.

“The training course was valuable, but compared to a trip down the Feather River Canyon and back, it can’t compete! That will be our true test.”

Mitchell said that when inclement weather struck Plumas County in the past, response times could be extended due to the need to install chains on the two-wheel-drive Crown Victorias.

“Now that the standard patrol vehicle has all-wheel drive, our units can be that much faster to respond. Another improvement will be our ability to traverse more of our most treacherous roads immediately without having to return to the office for a four-wheel-drive Expedition.”

Mitchell and Sgt. Austin Matulonis said they invite any visitor with a curious streak to stop by and take a look whenever one of the new patrol vehicles is parked in front of the Quincy office.